Motor City Mobility: Follow those shoes!

Luxury with Edge is Distinctly Detroit

It's a Shoe Story

Meet The Girls

We might never know....

(All Photos By Alvita Lozano)

Our feet, our shoes...what's the fascination, why all the fuss?

"I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." - Luke: 3:16 OK...John the Baptist just made reference to the footwear of Jesus...Wow!

Anthropologically speaking all tribes were nomadic at one time...and guess what? Their feet were "THE" source of mobility. That's huge!

Anatomically our feet are the 'foundation" for our body structure. Think Architecture....any Architect, Engineer, or Construction Worker understands the importance of laying the best foundation...it's imperative!

I think you get the drift...there is so much more to our feet and subsequently to our shoes as well. It's not just Vanity for the Style minded..there's a lot more to it if you look beyond the obvious. Just ask a serious Runner how important his shoes are.

Men and Women of Style have an intuitively complex relationship with Clothing. Shoes are an important element of their personal style equation. Their selection is not a random process...nor is it just a utilitarian decision. It includes, Vision and an Appreciation for Artistic expression. A great Shoe can Start and Finish an outfit.

Some of us collect and keep Shoes the way others build and appreciate A Library of Books or Music. I happen to collect all three and it's amazing to me how similar they are in ways. They each tell stories... some Epic, others Simple...they also inspire a rainbow of emotion and they are all uniquely powerful in the life of a creative dreamer.

"All Roads Lead to Fashion" is a phrase I may have penned...at least I have not heard it said before. It's also a fitting phrase for discussing mobility in the "Motor City". The Auto Industry seduced and transformed the lives of people all over the globe for a century. Detroit became the epicenter in the process. Today we are shifting gears and many work to create a new map to travel upon. As we do I can't help but look down at my shoes and whisper "Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me". Psalms: 119-133 ....This is my travel prayer every day...as I follow the Man who wore those sandals John spoke of!

Vintage Fashion Doll: Debutant Of Style

An American Fashion Voice
Ruby Amae Ford

Recycled Flag Head Scarf


Dress by Matt Richmond: Saving The Planet 1 Dress at a Time
Made of Detroit Telephone Pages

Ruby Amae Ford
Is A Fashion Doll Debutant
From Detroit

She knows what it’s like to live
Through Recession and War
She’s a FreeStlye Original
A Revolutionary Force

Her Style is spun from Ideas
Found in Music, History and Art
“Osado" In Detroit
With a Bold and Daring Heart

Found Vintage Fashion Doll, 'Ruby Amae Ford" is a metaphor for Fashion in Detroit. She speaks to the complex change occurring in society as we move from the economic industries of the past to forge creative opportunities of the future.

"Osado" is Spanish meaning "Bold and Daring", which will be required of Detroit's Leaders, Workers, and Citizens. That's Detroit Style: Vision, Hard Work....Osado!

Mother of Pearl.....A simple story

Mother of Pearl
Ysabel Lozano

Call your Mother!

The only time I've seen my Mother (Ysabel Lozano) wear a strand of pearls was for a family portrait we sat for in my teenage years. In that photo her natural beauty is apparent and she looks so happy. This short post is made in her honor, today is her Birthday.

The photo above is one I took of her back in the day at a Chicago street fair in Pilsen where I grew up. She is wearing a lovely top with a storied past. We used to share clothes at that time, like I did with my stylish girlfriends and this was one of her favorites.

My Mother has always said of her personal style that she "is a simple Women". It's true, she likes to look good and takes good care of herself, but she's not flashy. She does however take an interest in fashion and is fun to go shopping with. I know she gets a kick out of my fascination with clothing and has always been supportive of my passion.

I found out the following about what Mother of pearl does: "A pearl grows when mother of pearl surrounds and builds layers around an object that's inserted into its shell by nature or humans." That's exactly what my Mother did for my siblings and I over the years. We have grown into our own because she built layers of safety and support around us in her own loving way. What a precious jewel she is in my life. "The Most Beautiful Women I know always wear Pearls of Laughter." Happy Birthday Mom, I hope it is filled with Laughter and smiles!

With Mother's day quickly approaching, the telephone photo is a visual reminder to call your Mother. If for some reason it is not possible for you to speak with her try to recall a favorite memory or photo where she is sharing her Pearls of laughter!